Guffy v. Brown et al
Filing
32
MEMORANDUM AND ORDER granting as to the claims of actual fraudulent transfers and denying as to the claims of constructive fraudulent transfers Motions to Dismiss [Docs. # 17 and # 18]; granting Motions to Dismiss [Docs. # 19 and # 20].(Signed by Judge Nancy F. Atlas) Parties notified.(TDR, 4)
United States District Court
Southern District of Texas
ENTERED
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS
HOUSTON DIVISION
In re:
BROWN MEDICAL CENTER, INC.,
Debtor.
§
§
§
§
-------------------------------------------------§
§
ELIZABETH M. GUFFY, Plan Agent, §
Plaintiff,
§
§
v.
§
§
MARSHALL DAVIS BROWN, JR.,
§
et al.,
§
Defendants.
§
March 02, 2016
David J. Bradley, Clerk
CIVIL ACTION NO. 16-0084
Bankruptcy Adversary No. 15-3229
MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
Elizabeth Guffy, the Plan Agent under the confirmed Chapter 11 Plan of
Liquidation in the Brown Medical Center, Inc. bankruptcy, filed this adversary
proceeding seeking to avoid certain attorneys fee and other payments as fraudulent
transfers. The case is now before the Court on the Motions to Dismiss filed by
Defendants Robert S. Hoffman, the Law Offices of Robert S. Hoffman, P.L.L.C.,
Jedediah D. Moffett, and Jedediah D. Moffett, P.C. (collectively, “Hoffman/Moffett”)
[Doc. # 17], Marshall Davis Brown, Jr., Pavlas, Brown & York, LLP, and Pavlas &
Brown, LLP (collectively, “MDBrown”) [Doc. # 18], Claudia Canales, P.C. and
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
Claudia Canales (collectively, “Canales”) [Doc. # 19], and Joseph Indelicato, Jr. and
the Law Offices of Joseph Indelicato, Jr., P.C. (collectively, “Indelicato”) [Doc. # 20].
Plaintiff filed Responses [Docs. # 21 (Hoffman/Moffett), # 24 (MDBrown), # 22
(Canales), and # 23 (Indelicato)]. Replies were filed by Hoffman/Moffett [Doc. # 27],
MDBrown [Doc. # 28], Canales [Doc. # 30], and Indelicato [Doc. # 25]. Plaintiff
filed a Sur-Reply [Doc. # 29] in opposition to Indelicato’s Motion to Dismiss.
The Court has reviewed the record and the applicable legal authorities. Based
on this review, the Court concludes that Plaintiff has adequately alleged her
constructive fraudulent transfer claims under 11 U.S.C. § 548(a)(1)(B) and under the
Texas Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (“TUFTA”), but has failed to satisfy the
requirements of Rule 9(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure as to the actual
fraudulent transfer claims. Canales and Indelicato enjoy immunity as to the transfers
to them as payment of their fees pursuant to orders of the state court. Therefore, the
Hoffman/Moffett and MDBrown Motions to Dismiss are granted as to the actual
fraud claims and denied as to the constructive fraud claims. The Canales and
Indelicato Motions to Dismiss are granted as to all claims.
I.
BACKGROUND
Michael Brown, the owner of 100% of the shares of Debtor Brown Medical
Center, Inc. (“BMC”), and his former wife Rachel Brown, were involved in
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
2
contentious divorce proceedings beginning in 2010. Rachel Brown was represented
by attorneys Hoffman/Moffett and MDBrown. Canales was appointed by the state
court as an Amicus Attorney to represent the interests of the Browns’ minor children.
Indelicato was appointed by the state court as the Master in Chancery with authority
over certain issues in the divorce proceedings, including discovery disputes and the
award of attorneys’ fees.
Plaintiff alleges that BMC transferred funds to Defendants after BMC became
insolvent. Plaintiff alleges also that BMC had no independent legal obligation to
make the transfers, which were for Brown’s sole benefit.1
In January 2013, Brown filed a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition. On
October 15, 2013, Brown’s Chapter 11 Trustee filed a voluntary Chapter 11
bankruptcy petition on behalf of BMC. The Bankruptcy Court appointed Plaintiff
Elizabeth Guffy as the Chapter 11 Trustee for BMC. On October 1, 2014, the
Bankruptcy Court confirmed a plan of liquidation in BMC’s bankruptcy case and
appointed Guffy as the Plan Agent.
Plaintiff filed this Adversary Proceeding against Defendants, asserting
fraudulent transfer claims under 11 U.S.C. § 548 and under TUFTA. See First
1
Although not specifically alleged in the First Amended Complaint, it appears that the
state court in the divorce proceeding ordered Brown to pay Rachel Brown’s legal fees.
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
3
Amended Complaint [Doc. # 16]. Plaintiff alleges both actual fraud and constructive
fraud as to the transfers to each Defendant.
By Memorandum and Order [Doc. # 15] entered February 3, 2016, this Court
withdrew the reference of this Adversary Proceeding and retained the case on its own
docket. Defendants filed their Motions to Dismiss, which have been fully briefed and
are ripe for decision.
II.
LEGAL STANDARD FOR MOTION TO DISMISS
A motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure is viewed with disfavor and is rarely granted. Turner v. Pleasant, 663 F.3d
770, 775 (5th Cir. 2011) (citing Harrington v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 563 F.3d
141, 147 (5th Cir. 2009)). The complaint must be liberally construed in favor of the
plaintiff, and all facts pleaded in the complaint must be taken as true. Harrington, 563
F.3d at 147. The complaint must, however, contain sufficient factual allegations, as
opposed to legal conclusions, to state a claim for relief that is “plausible on its face.”
See Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009); Patrick v. Wal-Mart, Inc., 681 F.3d
614, 617 (5th Cir. 2012). When there are well-pleaded factual allegations, a court
should presume they are true, even if doubtful, and then determine whether they
plausibly give rise to an entitlement to relief. Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 679. “Threadbare
recitals of the elements of a cause of action, supported by mere conclusory statements
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
4
do not establish facial plausibility.” Spicer v. Westbrook, 751 F.3d 354, 365 (5th Cir.
2014). Facial plausibility exists when there are sufficient factual allegations in the
complaint to permit the Court “to draw the reasonable inference that the defendant is
liable for the misconduct alleged.” Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 678.
The parties agree that the heightened pleading requirements of Rule 9 apply to
the claims of actual fraud under 11 U.S.C. § 548(a)(1)(A) and under TUFTA
§ 24.005(a)(1). Rule 9 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires that “[i]n all
averments of fraud or mistake, the circumstances constituting fraud or mistake shall
be stated with particularity.” FED. R. CIV. P. 9(b); see Leatherman v. Tarrant Cty.
Narcotics Intelligence Unit, 507 U.S. 163, 168-69 (1993); Hart v. Bayer Corp., 199
F.3d 239, 247 n.6 (5th Cir. 2000). Rule 9(b) requires a plaintiff to allege the existence
of facts sufficient to warrant the pleaded conclusion that fraud has occurred. See In
Re Haber Oil Co., 12 F.3d 426, 439 (5th Cir. 1994).
In considering a motion to dismiss, a court must ordinarily limit itself to the
contents of the pleadings and attachments thereto. Collins v. Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter, 224 F.3d 496, 498 (5th Cir. 2000) (citing FED. R. CIV. P. 12(b)(6)).
“Documents that a defendant attaches to a motion to dismiss are [also] considered part
of the pleadings if they are referred to in the plaintiff’s complaint and are central to
her claim.” Id.; see also Kane Enters. v. MacGregor (USA), Inc., 322 F.3d 371, 374
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
5
(5th Cir. 2003). Federal courts are also permitted to refer to matters of public record when
deciding a motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6). See Davis v. Bayless, 70 F.3d 367, 372
n.3 (5th Cir. 1995) (citing Cinel v. Connick, 15 F.3d 1338, 1343 n.6 (5th Cir.1994)).
Additionally, the Court may consider matters of which judicial notice may be taken. U.S.
ex. rel. Willard v. Humana Helath Plan of Tex. Inc., 336 F.3d 375, 379 (5th Cir. 2003)
(citing Lovelace v. Software Spectrum Inc., 78 F.3d 1015, 1017-18 (5th Cir. 1996)). State
court orders are matters of which this Court may take judicial notice. See FED. R.
EVID. 201(b)(2); Van Duzer v. U.S. Bank Nat’l Ass’n, 995 F. Supp. 2d 673, 685 (S.D.
Tex. 2014) (Lake, J.).
III.
ANALYSIS
Plaintiff in this case asserts constructive fraudulent transfer claims under 11
U.S.C. § 548(a)(1)(B) and under TUFTA § 25.005(a)(2) and § 25.006(a). Plaintiff
also asserts claims of actual fraudulent transfers under § 528(a)(1)(A) and under
TUFTA § 25.005(a)(1).
A.
Constructive Fraudulent Transfer Claims
Under § 528(a)(1)(B), a bankruptcy trustee may avoid a transfer that was made
within two years before the date the bankruptcy petition was filed if the debtor
“received less than a reasonably equivalent value in exchange for such transfer or
obligation” and either “was insolvent on the date that such transfer was made or such
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
6
obligation was incurred, or became insolvent as a result of such transfer or obligation;
was engaged in business or a transaction, or was about to engage in business or a
transaction, for which any property remaining with the debtor was an unreasonably
small capital; intended to incur, or believed that the debtor would incur, debts that
would be beyond the debtor’s ability to pay as such debts matured; or made such
transfer to or for the benefit of an insider, or incurred such obligation to or for the
benefit of an insider, under an employment contract and not in the ordinary course of
business.” 11 U.S.C. § 548(a)(1)(B); In re Inspirations Imports, Inc., 2014 WL
1410243, *2 (N.D. Tex. Apr. 3, 2014) (citing In re GWI PCS 1 Inc., 230 F.3d 788,
805 (5th Cir. 2000)).
In support of the § 548(a)(1)(B) claim, Plaintiff alleges that BMC transferred
property to Defendants within two years before the petition was filed on October 15,
2013. Indeed, Plaintiff specifically identifies certain such transfers. See First
Amended Complaint, ¶¶ 30-32. Plaintiff alleges that BMC received less than
reasonably equivalent value in exchange for the transfer because the transfers were
made at the direction of and apparently for the benefit of Brown personally with no
benefit to BMC. See id., ¶ 40. Defendants argue that BMC may have received some
benefit from the payments it made on behalf of Brown, who owned 100% of BMC’s
stock. For purposes of the Motions to Dismiss, however, the facts pleaded in the First
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
7
Amended Complaint must be taken as true. See Harrington, 563 F.3d at 147.
Plaintiff alleges that, when the transfers were made, BMC was either insolvent or
became insolvent as a result of the transfers. See id., ¶¶ 28-29, 40. Defendants
challenge whether BMC was actually insolvent or became insolvent as a result of the
transfers but, again, the facts in the First Amended Complaint are presumed to be true
for purposes of the Motions to Dismiss. The allegations in the First Amended
Complaint adequately state a fraudulent transfer claim under § 548(a)(1)(B).
Plaintiff asserts a TUFTA claim of constructive fraudulent transfers under
§ 24.005(a)(2) and § 24.006(a). Under § 24.005(a)(2), a transfer made by a debtor is
fraudulent if made “without receiving a reasonably equivalent value in exchange for
the transfer” and the debtor “was engaged or was about to engage in a business or a
transaction for which the remaining assets of the debtor were unreasonably small in
relation to the business or transaction; or intended to incur, or believed or reasonably
should have believed that the debtor would incur, debts beyond the debtor’s ability to
pay as they became due.” TEX. BUS. & COMM. CODE § 24.005(a)(2). Additionally,
a transfer made by a debtor is fraudulent if made “without receiving a reasonably
equivalent value in exchange for the transfer or obligation and the debtor was
insolvent at that time or the debtor became insolvent as a result of the transfer or
obligation.” TEX. BUS. & COMM. CODE § 24.006(a). The Plan Agent, on behalf of
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
8
BMC’s creditors, is authorized to avoid transfers that are fraudulent under § 24.005
and/or 24.006. TEX. BUS. & COMM. CODE § 24.008(a)(1).
Plaintiff seeks to avoid transfers made to Defendants by BMC within four years
before the bankruptcy petition was filed on October 15, 2013. Plaintiff alleges that
BMC transferred property to Defendants within four years before the petition was
filed and, indeed, specifically identifies certain transfers during the four-year period.
See First Amended Complaint, ¶ 30-32. Plaintiff alleges that BMC received less than
reasonably equivalent value in exchange for the transfer because the transfers were
made at the direction of and apparently for the benefit of Brown personally with no
benefit to BMC. See id., ¶¶ 45, 46. Plaintiff alleges that, when the transfers were
made, BMC either was engaged in business for which its remaining assets were
unreasonably small in relation to that business, or reasonably should have known that
it was incurring debts beyond its ability to pay as they became due. See id., ¶ 46.
Plaintiff alleges also that, when the transfers were made, BMC was either insolvent
or became insolvent as a result of the transfers. See id., ¶¶ 28-29, 45. Plaintiff alleges
that a creditor exists for whom the Plan Agent can act, see id., ¶¶ 45, 46, and she
identifies the United States as such a creditor, see id., ¶ 26. The allegations in
Plaintiff’s First Amended Complaint adequately state a constructive fraudulent
transfer claim under TUFTA § 24.005(a)(2) and § 24.006(a). The Motions to Dismiss
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
9
the claims under § 548(a)(1)(B) and TUFTA § 24.005(a)(2) and § 24.006(a) are
denied.
B.
Actual Fraudulent Transfer Claims
Plaintiff seeks, pursuant to § 548(a)(1)(A) and TUFTA § 24.005(a)(1), to
recover transfers allegedly made by BMC with actual intent to defraud. A trustee is
authorized to recover transfers made within two years of the filing of a bankruptcy
petition if the debtor “made such transfer or incurred such obligation with actual intent
to hinder, delay, or defraud any entity to which the debtor was or became, on or after
the date that such transfer was made or such obligation was incurred, indebted.” 11
U.S.C. § 548(a)(1)(A); Williams v. Houston Plants & Garden World, Inc., 508 B.R.
11, 18 (S.D. Tex. 2014) (Rosenthal, J.). To determine whether the debtor acted with
actual intent to defraud, courts consider several “badges of fraud.” The badges of
fraud for a § 548(a)(1)(A) claim are:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
the lack or inadequacy of consideration;
the family, friendship or close associate relationship between the
parties;
the retention of possession, benefit or use of the property in
question;
the financial condition of the party sought to be charged both
before and after the transaction in question;
the existence or cumulative effect of the pattern or series of
transactions or course of conduct after the incurring of debt, onset
of financial difficulties, or pendency or threat of suits by creditors;
and
the general chronology of events and transactions under inquiry.
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
10
Id. at 18-19 (citing In re Soza, 542 F.3d 1060, 1067 (5th Cir. 2008)).
In this case, there is no allegation that there was a family, friendship or close
associate relationship between BMC and Defendants, or that BMC retained
possession, benefit or use of the funds transferred to Defendants. Plaintiff alleges that
BMC was insolvent when it made the transfers. See First Amended Complaint, ¶¶ 2829, 40. Plaintiff argues that there are allegations of factor (5) – “the existence or
cumulative effect of the pattern or series of transactions or course of conduct after the
incurring of debt, onset of financial difficulties, or pendency or threat of suits by
creditors” – and factor (6) – a “general chronology of events and transactions under
inquiry.” See Response [Doc. # 21], p. 8; Response [Doc. # 24], p. 8. Plaintiff,
however, supports the existence of factors (5) and (6) only by citing to the allegations
that BMC was insolvent when it made the transfers at issue. See id. These allegations
fail to satisfy the Rule 9 requirement that they be pled with particularity and do not
support the existence of “badges of fraud” (5) and (6). Therefore, the only “badges
of fraud” alleged with particularity in the First Amended Complaint are insolvency
and inadequate consideration. These are the two factors for a constructive fraudulent
transfer under § 548(a)(1)(B). Plaintiff has failed to allege a factual basis for the
claim of actual fraud beyond the allegations that support the constructive fraud claim.
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
11
Absent allegations of fact that are stated with particularity, the Court grants
Defendants’ Motions to Dismiss the § 548(a)(1)(A) claim.
Much like § 548(a)(1)(A), under Texas state law, a transfer is actually
fraudulent if the debtor made the transfer “with actual intent to hinder, delay, or
defraud any creditor of the debtor.” TUFTA § 24.005(a)(1). The statute contains a
non-exclusive list of factors to be considered by the Court in determining whether the
debtor acted with actual intent to defraud:
(1)
(2)
the transfer or obligation was to an insider;
the debtor retained possession or control of the property
transferred after the transfer;
(3) the transfer or obligation was concealed;
(4) before the transfer was made or obligation was incurred, the
debtor had been sued or threatened with suit;
(5) the transfer was of substantially all the debtor's assets;
(6) the debtor absconded;
(7) the debtor removed or concealed assets;
(8) the value of the consideration received by the debtor was
reasonably equivalent to the value of the asset transferred or the
amount of the obligation incurred;
(9) the debtor was insolvent or became insolvent shortly after the
transfer was made or the obligation was incurred;
(10) the transfer occurred shortly before or shortly after a substantial
debt was incurred; and
(11) the debtor transferred the essential assets of the business to a
lienor who transferred the assets to an insider of the debtor.
TUFTA § 24.005(b).
There are no allegations in the First Amended Complaint that the Defendants
who received the transfers were BMC insiders, that BMC retained possession or
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
12
control of the funds after they were transferred, that the transfers were concealed, that
BMC had been sued or threatened with suit related to the divorce proceedings in
which the transfers were made, that the transfers involved substantially all of BMC’s
assets, that BMC absconded, that BMC removed or concealed assets, that the transfers
occurred shortly before or shortly after a substantial debt was incurred, or that BMC
transferred the essential assets of its business to a lienor who transferred the assets to
a BMC insider. Plaintiff does allege that the value of the consideration BMC received
was not reasonably equivalent to the value of the funds transferred and that BMC was
insolvent or became insolvent shortly after the transfers were made. See First
Amended Complaint, ¶ 45. These are the factors that indicate constructive fraudulent
transfers under TUFTA § 24.005(a)(2) and § 24.006(a). Plaintiff has failed to allege
with particularity facts indicating actual fraudulent intent rather than constructive
fraud. As a result, Plaintiff has failed to state with particularity a claim under TUFTA
§ 24.005(a)(1), and that claim is dismissed as to all Defendants.2
2
Plaintiff requests leave to file a Second Amended Complaint should any claims be
dismissed. See, e.g., Response [Doc. # 21], p. 9. At the initial conference on
March 8, 2016, the Court will discuss with Plaintiff’s counsel the factual basis for any
proposed amendment regarding the dismissed actual fraudulent transfer claims.
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
13
C.
Canales’s Immunity Defense
The state court in the Brown divorce proceeding appointed Canales under
Chapter 107 of the Texas Family Code as Amicus Attorney to assist that court in
protecting the interests of the Browns’ minor children. See Order Appointing Amicus
Attorney, Exh. A to Canales Motion to Dismiss. Under Texas law, an Amicus
Attorney appointed under Chapter 107 “is not liable for civil damages arising from an
action taken, a recommendation made, or an opinion given” in the Amicus Attorney
capacity. TEX. FAM. CODE § 107.009(a). The Order Appointing Amicus Attorney
ordered “each party” to deposit $5,000 with Canales’s Trust Account for fees and
expenses of the Amicus Attorney.3 See Order Appointing Amicus Attorney. The state
court later ordered “the parties” to pay Canales directly $125,000 as additional fees
and expenses as Amicus Attorney. See Order for Additional Trial Deposit, Exh. 9 to
Indelicato Motion. Clearly, receipt of payment of her fees and expenses as ordered
by the state court was “an action taken” by Canales in her capacity as Amicus
Attorney. Additionally, the orders issued by the state court imposed an obligation on
BMC to make payments to Canales.
3
BMC was a party to the Brown divorce proceedings, having been joined as a ThirdParty Respondent. See, e.g., Order on Petitioner’s Motion to Deposit Additional
Funds into Registry of the Court, Exh. 8 to Indelicato Motion.
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
14
The immunity afforded to the Amicus Attorney under § 107.009 does not apply
to actions taken “(1) with conscious indifference or reckless disregard to the safety of
another; (2) in bad faith or with malice; or (3) that is grossly negligent or wilfully
wrongful.” TEX. FAM. CODE § 107.009(b). However, there are no allegations in the
First Amended Complaint that Canales acted with conscious indifference or reckless
disregard to the safety of another. There are no factual allegations that suggest that
Canales accepted payment of her fees and expenses in bad faith or with malice, or that
her receipt of such payment was grossly negligent or wilfully wrongful.
Based on the foregoing, the record on Canales’s Motion to Dismiss establishes
that she is entitled to immunity under § 107.009(a), and that there are no factual
allegations that would implicate any of the exceptions in § 107.009(b). As a result,
Canales is immune from suit for damages for her receipt of funds transferred pursuant
to court order in connection with her appointment and service as the Amicus Attorney
in the Brown divorce proceeding. Her Motion to Dismiss is granted.
D.
Indelicato’s Immunity Defense
The state court appointed Indelicato as Master in Chancery in the Brown
divorce proceeding. See Order Appointing Master in Chancery, Exh. 1 to Indelicato
Motion. As Master in Chancery, Indelicato had authority “to convene evidentiary
hearings and to rule on all discovery matters submitted to him pursuant to order.” See
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
15
id. Indelicato had authority to subpoena witnesses, to order production of documents,
to administer oaths, and to award attorneys’ fees. See id. The Master in Chancery,
pursuant to the state court’s order, had authority “to find any party in contempt for
failure to comply with any decision and to issue sanctions regarding any finding of
contempt.” Id. at 2. Additionally, the state court ordered that Indelicato, as Master
in Chancery, was specifically authorized to charge for his services.
See id.;
Supplemental Order Appointing Master in Chancery, Exh. 2 to Indelicato Motion.
“When judges delegate their authority or appoint others to perform services for the
court, the judge’s absolute judicial immunity may extend to his or her delegate or
appointee.” McPeters v. LexisNexis, 11 F. Supp. 3d 789, 792 (S.D. Tex. 2014) (citing
Vernon v. Rollins-Threats, 2005 WL 3742821, *4 (N.D. Tex. Nov. 2, 2005)). The
court-appointed Master in Chancery is an integral part of the judicial process.
Focusing on the nature of the functions to be performed, rather than “on the identity
of the actor who performed it,” Indelicato in his capacity as Master in Chancery is
entitled to derived judicial immunity. See, e.g., Hall v. Dixon, 2010 WL 3909515, *40
(S.D. Tex. Sept. 30, 2010) (Rosenthal, J.) (quoting In re Foust, 310 F.3d 849, 855 (5th
Cir. 2002)).
Plaintiff alleges in the First Amended Complaint that Indelicato approved the
attorneys fee invoices submitted by Rachel Brown’s attorneys without adequately
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
16
reviewing them. See First Amended Complaint, ¶ 23, n.1. Indelicato, as courtappointed Master in Chancery, was granted authority to award attorneys’ fees. See
Order Appointing Master in Chancery; Supplemental Order Appointing Master in
Chancery. “Once an individual is cloaked with derived judicial immunity because of
a particular function being performed for a court, every action taken with regard to
that function – whether good or bad, honest or dishonest, well-intentioned or not – is
immune from suit. Once applied to the function, the cloak of immunity covers all
acts, both good and bad.” Davis v. West, 317 S.W.3d 301, 307 (Tex. App – Houston
[1st Dist.] 2009, reh’g denied) (Hanks, J.). Indelicato is protected by derived judicial
immunity for his performance of this judicial function of reviewing and awarding
attorneys’ fees.
Plaintiff alleges in the First Amended Complaint that BMC made transfers to
Indelicato. See First Amended Complaint, ¶ 31. The state court specifically ordered
BMC, as a third-party respondent in the Brown divorce proceeding, to pay
Indelicato’s fees and costs “directly to Joseph Indelicato, Jr.” See, e.g., Order for
Costs, Exh. 3 to Indelicato Motion; Order for Costs, Exh. 4 to Indelicato Motion;
Order for Costs, Exh. 5 to Indelicato Motion; Order for Costs, Exh. 6 to Indelicato
Motion. These state court orders imposed an obligation on BMC to make transfers
to Indelicato, and BMC did so in compliance with the court orders.
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
17
Absent allegations that overcome Indelicato’s derived judicial immunity for the
performance of the tasks the state court ordered him to undertake, and in light of the
court orders directing BMC to make transfers directly to Indelicato, the Court grants
Indelicato’s Motion to Dismiss.
IV.
CONCLUSION AND ORDER
Plaintiff has adequately alleged her constructive fraudulent transfer claims
under § 548(a)(1)(B) and under TUFTA § 24.005(a)(2) and § 24.006(a). The Court
advises that it will require Plaintiff to provide thorough initial disclosures by a
deadline to be established at the pretrial conference on March 8, 2016. Plaintiff has
failed, however, to satisfy the heightened pleading requirements of Rule 9 as to the
actual fraudulent transfer claims pursuant to § 548(a)(1)(A) and under TUFTA
§ 24.005(a)(1).
Canales is entitled to immunity pursuant to § 107.009 of the Texas Family
Code, and Indelicato is entitled to derived judicial immunity in his role as appointed
Master in Chancery in the divorce proceeding. It is, therefore, hereby
ORDERED that the Hoffman/Moffett and MDBrown Motions to Dismiss
[Docs. # 17 and # 18] are DENIED as to the constructive fraudulent transfer claims
under 11 U.S.C. § 548(a)(1)(B) and under TUFTA § 24.005(a)(2) and § 24.006(a),
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
18
and are GRANTED as to the actual fraudulent transfer claims under 11 U.S.C.
§ 548(a)(1)(A) and under TUFTA § 24.005(a)(1). It is further
ORDERED that the Canales and Indelicato Motions to Dismiss [Docs. # 19
and # 20] are GRANTED.
SIGNED at Houston, Texas, this 2nd day of March, 2016.
NAN Y F. ATLAS
SENIOR UNI
STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
P:\ORDERS\11-2016\0084MsDismiss.wpd
160302.1654
19
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?